Educational Quality - A Macroergonomics Approach

Abstract

The institution of education has been one of many institutions that has been negligent in the nurturing and development of underrepresented groups in society. This institution has all but failed this significant segment of the population and, as a result, has failed society as a whole. Providing access to equal educational opportunities is vital to the survival of our communities, and society as a whole. Statistics suggest that by the millennium, underrepresented populations will encompass a large portion of the population. If our society is to remain competitive, not only will it be necessary to better develop the concept of equal educational opportunity but it will also be imperative to put these ideas into practice. The global village in which we find ourselves makes it essential that we focus on areas such as creating a diverse pipeline for future engineers and scientists. If we are to meet the demands of the 21^st century, it is necessary that we focus on the academic environment and the education of our young people. A qualitative research approach was used to help extract information regarding student success and/or failure in the College of Engineering at a large Midwestern university. This research integrates principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and systems design in an effort to identify those factors that hinder or enhance the educational performance and success of underrepresented student populations pursuing higher education in engineering and science.